French television presenter France Pierron has reportedly been suspended by French sports broadcaster L’Équipe following controversial comments she made about Belgium and Manchester City winger Jérémy Doku.
The controversy arose after Doku revealed that he would consider leaving Belgium’s FIFA World Cup campaign to attend the birth of his first child.
The 24-year-old forward, who missed Belgium’s match against Iran due to a chest infection, told Reuters that his wife, Shireen, is expected to give birth during the second week of July, a period that could coincide with the tournament’s quarter-finals.
“It depends on when it happens, but it’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there,” Doku said. “If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also know that football involves many other considerations.”
Belgian media subsequently reported that arrangements were being considered to allow the player travel home by private jet if necessary.
Reacting to Doku’s remarks, Pierron criticised the footballer’s position, arguing that the opportunity to play at a World Cup should take precedence. Her comments, including a remark suggesting fathers are “completely useless” during childbirth, sparked widespread backlash on social media.
Following the criticism, Pierron issued a public apology, stating that she had been expressing a personal opinion during a debate and did not intend to diminish the role of fathers in supporting their partners and children.
“I understand that they may have shocked, hurt, or wounded some of you, and I am sorry for that,” she wrote on social media.
According to reports by journalist Clément Garin, Pierron has since been suspended by the broadcaster and was removed from presenting duties pending further developments.
The reported suspension has generated debate in France, with discussions focusing on work-life balance, family responsibilities, and the expectations placed on professional athletes during major international tournaments.